3 Reason Your Hair Color/Toner Fades
1. Porosity.
Porosity refers to the hairs ability to absorb and retain moisture or in this case absorb and retain color/toner. When the outside layer of the hair shaft, otherwise know as the cuticle layer, lies flat or is sealed it makes it harder for moisture or color to enter but its good at retaining moisture and color. If the hair is highly porous and the cuticle is raised the moisture and color enters easily and escapes just as easily. This is why it is important to equalize porosity when coloring, bleaching or toning highly porous hair.
2. Mineral content in the water.
Minerals in the water can create a physical barrier or coating on the outer layers of the hair making it difficult for hair color/toner to penetrate the inner layer of the hair resulting in poor, spotty color and expedites fading.
Iron and copper can oxidize on the hair creating discoloration. Iron can turn hair brassy, orange, or dull, while copper can introduce unwanted greenish or orange tones, especially to lightened or blonde hair and grey/white hair. This is why proper preparation prior to coloring is important. A treatment in the salon called Malibu Makeover is an important tool to remove mineral build up prior to coloring. Frequent use of clarifying shampoos and water filtration on your shower head is encouraged to maintain low mineral build up.
3. Sun exposure and the frequent use of hot tools can contribute to yellowing of hair color too.
When the sun (heat) and its UV rays “lighten” hair it reveals the underlying pigment, artificial or natural. Darker hair will reveal red and orange tones and blonde hair will reveal yellow tones.
Overuse of curling irons/flat irons and blow dryers burn the protein (keratin) especially in white, grey or blonde hair causing cuticle damage and can lead to permanent yellow discoloration. Grey and white hair are lacking natural melanin. Melanin is what protects hair from UV rays and heat.
